Wally Thomas

[GregT 2]

It's certainly a mystery.  Working for Wally Kilmister might have been interpreted as riding with him at Wembley I suppose. It does look as though he'd worked at Wally K's shop before the visit in 1940.

The Chevrolet Golden helmet was one of the central issues which led to the strike. As holder he received 5 pounds a week but was required to defend it whenever required. This in addition to his 5 pounds per week as an A grade rider and 5 pounds a win in A grade.  When the locals were asked to ride for one pound a night in the test team - and it was known the Brits were on 5 pounds a night there was the inevitable rebellion.

Can you provide a link to that article please. In case a possible alias stands out.

[wealdstone 3,454]

This will probably be no help at all  but by late father  was taken under the wing of a Tot  & Bill Williams who lived  at Scarle Road  Wembley. Amongst other things they provided  lodgings for Speedway Riders and Ice Hockey players . Their son was the Mechanic For Wally Kilmister.  I know my father went to several events at Wembley using Wally's  Speedway Riders pass.  We used to have a photo of my father dressed in Wally's leathers seated on his bike. 

[iris123 21,097]

Wally Kilmister shop, Wembley 

 

https://www.francisfrith.com/wembley/wembley-the-triangle-c1960_w314017

[chunky 6,143]

8 minutes ago, iris123 said:

Wally Kilmister shop, Wembley 

 

https://www.francisfrith.com/wembley/wembley-the-triangle-c1960_w314017

I never knew exactly where it was; thanks!

[iris123 21,097]

I'd guess you might be lucky that programme notes of the time might mention a new face in town

Unfortunately i don't have any Wembley or much else from that particular time

[GregT 2]

Found the list quoted above. Nothing stands out as an alias. Surprising how many of them I've met. NZ is indeed a small place.

[wealdstone 3,454]

3 hours ago, iris123 said:

Wally Kilmister shop, Wembley 

 

https://www.francisfrith.com/wembley/wembley-the-triangle-c1960_w314017

The location was  Wembley Triangle.

[iris123 21,097]

4 minutes ago, wealdstone said:

The location was  Wembley Triangle.

Yes, it states that on the link beside the photo

[wealdstone 3,454]

sorry did not see that. Looking at the photo head on    Wembley Stadium, Empire Pool etc to left.  To the right road goes down to North Circular, and  straight on  to Wembley High Street, passing on the left the then iconic Charles Simpson Motors who specialised in American Cars. Further down on the right was Motor Cycle and then  Car  business Freddie Williams.

As an aside opposite Freddie Williams place there was a school I think it was called Claremont where they held football training  in the Gym on a Friday evening, the chap who did the coaching was   future West Ham and England  manager  Ron Greenwood

Edited October 10, 2022 by wealdstone

[iris123 21,097]

Seems Wally was also a hill climber/racer

https://vcc.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/BW-121-Dec-1979_low.pdf

 

[GregT 2]

Yes, he did a bit of everything - as a lot of kiwis did at that time.  Mile and half mile grass tracks, early versions of scrambles and US style hillclimbs. Once speedway became established and he effectively turned professional, riding at anything else became rare. He told of outings on grass at the end of the speedway seasons - and the good money available at times from that.

His last competition outing was at 72 when he "borrowed" my brother's 250 Guzzi and rode it in a clssic support race at the NZ roadrace GP meeting. He wasn't last either. 

[GregT 2]

Extract from Wally's wartime diary

28/6 /1940

Picked up four new Austin 2 1/2 ton ambulances from ordnance depot. Stopped at Staines and had a quick look in the Lagonda factory. Not a big place but they can certainly make a real car. At the depot met up with Alex Jackson ( a lieutenant but became Major) Manager at wembley speedway. He knew I was in England as he had seen Kilminster. We had a real meeting and catchup chinwag.

As far as we know Alex Jackson had never been to NZ therefore they must have met in England prewar. Again the Wembley connection.

[GregT 2]

On 10/9/2022 at 12:52 AM, BL65 said:

From the little information I have regarding Clem Thomas I believe he was born in around 1913.  He rode for Lea Bridge/Walthamstow in 1934 and spent the 1935 season with Hackney.  I understand that although he was known as Clem he was sometimes referred to as W.C. Thomas.  I would be interested to know Wally's date and place of birth.  There was a photograph in the Daily Mirror on 4th April 1934, showing Clem Thomas, N. (Jack) Bibby and J. (Fred) Tracey.  They are described as 'three new Australian riders who will be riding for Lea Bridge this season'.  The Daily Mirror, 16th February 1934, stated that Clem Thomas was attached to the Melbourne track in Australia and only recently came into the limelight.  The London Daily News, 5th April 1934, said that Clem was 5 ft 2 ins tall and weighed just 8st.

Is there any possibility of your posting this pic ?  I've had a go at finding it but unless you know what page to look at the free looks get used up quickly.

Just for elimination purposes I'd love to see Clem Thomas. We know Wally lied about his age when enlisting. It may not have been the first time.Thanks.

Edited October 19, 2022 by GregT

[norbold 7,176]

53 minutes ago, GregT said:

Is there any possibility of your posting this pic ?  I've had a go at finding it but unless you know what page to look at the free looks get used up quickly.

Just for elimination purposes I'd love to see Clem Thomas. We know Wally lied about his age when enlisting. It may not have been the first time.Thanks.

This is the cutting, BL65 referred to:

Edited October 19, 2022 by norbold

[BL65 658]

Further information on Clem Thomas.  He was born in Healesville, Victoria, Australia, in 1912 and died in 1971.